Best Things to do in Cape Coast & Elmina (Ghana)
Cape Coast is one of the most important stops on any Ghana itinerary! This historic coastal region is not only beautiful, but also one of the most significant places in West Africa’s history.
If you’re travelling through Ghana, Cape Coast and Elmina should be right at the top of your itinerary.
Located along Ghana’s Atlantic coastline, these neighbouring towns are home to some of the country’s most important historical sites, colourful fishing communities, quiet beaches, and easy access to one of Ghana’s most famous national parks.
Most visitors come for the castles. Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle both played major roles in the transatlantic slave trade and are among the most significant historical sites in Africa. But there’s far more to the area than just its history.
You can walk across the famous Kakum Canopy Walkway, watch hundreds of brightly coloured fishing boats return to Elmina Harbour, explore old colonial forts, relax on quiet beaches, or simply wander through the lively streets that make this stretch of coastline so interesting.
I visited Cape Coast and Elmina while travelling overland through West Africa and ended up staying longer than planned. Between the history, the coastline, and the atmosphere, it became one of my favourite stops in Ghana.
In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do in Cape Coast and Elmina, how long to stay, where to base yourself, and how to plan your visit.
How to get to Cape Coast
Before we get started on the best things to do in Cape Coast, first, you need to actually get there.
Most people will arrive from Accra, although it’s also possible to reach Cape Coast overland from Côte d’Ivoire if you’re travelling through West Africa.
Accra to Cape Coast
If you are coming from Accra to Cape Coast, you have two options: public transport or private transfer.
- Public Transport (cheapest option): You can take a tro-tro or shared bus from Accra’s main bus station. Expect to pay around 100 cedis (X USD). The journey typically takes 3-4 hours, although traffic leaving the capital can slow things down!
- Private Transfer (most comfortable option): This option will usually have you collected from your accommodation and dropped off at the door of your accommodation in Cape Coast. The drive itself should take around 3 hours, depending on traffic.
NOTE: As of 2026, they’re working on the roads, which makes it a bit slower.
Abidjan to Cape Coast
If you’re travelling to Cape Coast from Côte d’Ivoire, you’ll likely be coming from Abidjan.
From here, you can cross into Ghana via the Elubo border, before continuing East towards Cape Coast.
It’s a full travel day, involving a bus from Abidjan to the border, crossing at Elubo, then shared transport onwards to Takoradi/Cape Coast.
Things to do in Cape Coast
Cape Coast is the historical heart of the region and where most travellers base themselves.
1. Cape Coast Castle
This is the main reason most people visit Cape Coast.
Cape Coast Castle is one of the most important historical sites in West Africa and played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade. Walking through the dungeons, courtyards, and “Door of No Return” is a heavy but essential experience when travelling through Ghana.
Guided tours last around 60-90 minutes and are included in the entrance fee.
It’s not an easy visit emotionally, but it’s one of the most important things you can do in Ghana.
2. Explore Cape Coast’s Landmarks
In the town of Cape Coast, there are several landmarks to see, such as:
- Chapel Square Church:
- Fort Victoria
- Emintsimadze Palace
None of these would I spend a long time exploring, but they’re interesting sights to see!
3. Visit Baobab House
Baobab House is a bit of a multipurpose spot, whether you’re looking to eat, drink, take a break from sightseeing or stay the night – it’s all a method of supporting the local community. This relaxed social space is popular with travellers and volunteers, especially as it doubles as a guesthouse.
What I found particularly great about Baobab is that they are a non-profit organisation. They sell products made at the Baobab School for Trades and Traditional Arts; they promote healthy living with a vegetarian/vegan restaurant and sell herbal medicines. Their drinks are particularly great!
All of the money goes into supporting communities through education, employment and various other projects.
4. Black Star Bookshop
Book shops don’t normally make my list of things to do in a particular destination, but since it’s right next door to Baobab House, I thought I’d include it!
It’s one of the best places in Cape Coast to browse books on Ghanaian history, culture, politics and travel. You’ll also find works by local authors that can be difficult to find elsewhere in the country.
Even if you don’t find anything you like, you can escape the midday heat and snap a photo of the large painted Ghanaian flag outside.
4. Cape Coast Fishing Harbour
Down by the coast, you’ll find a busy fishing harbour filled with colourful wooden boats.
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, when boats return from sea, and the beach comes alive with activity.
5. See the Central Mosque
A small but interesting stop, especially if you’re exploring the town on foot.
It gives a glimpse into the cultural mix of Cape Coast beyond its colonial history.
6. Kakum National Reserve
Around 45 minutes from Cape Coast, Kakum National Park is one of the most famous nature attractions in Ghana.
The main reason people visit is the Canopy Walkway – a series of seven suspended rope bridges hanging high above the rainforest floor.
Walking between the hanging bridges gives you a different perspective of Ghana’s dense jungle interior. Though it can be daunting if you’re not used to heights!
Beyond the canopy walk, there are also guided forest walks where you can learn more about the wildlife and ecosystem of the park.
Early mornings and weekdays are best to avoid crowds as some people decide to day-trip from Accra.
Things to do in Elmina
Elmina feels slightly quieter and more atmospheric than Cape Coast, with more of a working fishing town feel.
1. Elmina Castle (St George’s Castle)
Elmina Castle is the oldest European-built structure in sub-Saharan Africa and another key site in the history of the slave trade.
The guided tour takes you through the courtyards, male and female dungeons, and coastal viewpoints. Expect to spend around 60-90 minutes here.
Entrance costs around 80 GHS for foreign visitors and includes a guide to explain the history of the castle.
Like Cape Coast Castle, it’s a powerful and emotional experience.
Expect the visit to take 60-90 minutes.
2. St Jago Fort (and viewpoint)
Just above Elmina Castle, St Jago Fort offers the best 360-degree views over Elmina (even better than the castle).
From the top, you can see:
- Elmina Castle
- The fishing harbour
- The entire coastline stretches into the distance
It’s a short climb and well worth combining with the castle visit.
Whilst it is free to enter, there is a suggested donation book at the entrance.
3. Elmina Fishing Harbour
This is one of the most photogenic spots in Ghana.
Lining the shore are hundreds of brightly painted fishing boats, and the harbour becomes incredibly active during morning returns and evening departures.
4. Visit Fish Market
Much like the fishing harbour, the fish market itself is full of colourful boats, lining the shore.
However, here there is more of a rawness to daily life. If you want to see local Ghanian life in action, have a short walk around here!
But be prepared for a strong smell of fish!
5. Explore Elmina Town
Elmina’s old town is more atmospheric than Cape Coast, with narrow streets, colonial-era buildings, and a slower pace of life.
It’s worth just wandering without a plan for an hour or two.
Whilst we wandered, we spotted several parades of people, marching coffins down the street, followed by live brass bands! Ghanaians make a big thing out of death and funerals.
6. Visit the beach
Between Cape Coast and Elmina is a long stretch of coastline! On the side nearer Elmina, there are some particularly stunning sandy beaches lined with palm trees.
You can either visit via one of the beachside resorts or you can walk straight onto the beach.
Elmina Castle vs Cape Coast Castle
Both ‘castles’ offer similar experiences
Unless you’re on a tight timeline, I recommend visiting the two castles on different days. There is some level of overlap in terms of the history and information, but you’ll always learn something new!
If you only pick one, I recommend Cape Coast Castle – this was my personal preference in terms of the history and the layout of the castle.
In terms of aesthetics, I probably preferred Elmina Castle with its moat and more unique design.
How long to spend in Cape Coast
Truthfully, you can see (almost) everything in Cape Coast in one day. But would I recommend that? No.
I think the sweet spot for spending time in this region is 2-3 days in Cape Coast and Elmina combined.
With this time you can really get a flavour of Ghana’s historic southern coast!
After you arrive, you can explore many of the local sights. The following day, you could daytrip to Kakum National Park, then see any more sights. On your final day, you could spend time at the beach and finish up anything you’ve missed before continuing your onward journey (either to Accra or Busua).
Where to stay
If you’re short on time, both towns are very close and easy to combine.
- Cape Coast: better for infrastructure, restaurants and a base
- Elmina: more atmospheric, better fishing harbour, more “local feel”
In my opinion, it’s probably best to pick either Cape Coast of Elmina so you don’t have to pack and re-pack your bags.
Cape Coast has a selection of accommodation options. Here are my recommendations:
- Baobab House: My top pick for budget travellers and volunteers. You can book via Whatsapp (+233540436130).
- Paradise Ocean Resort: Budget accommodation, located slightly outside of Cape Coast. Great if you’re looking for some peace.
- Oasis Beach Resort: Perfect central location near the castle and beach. Slightly on the pricier side.
Meanwhile Elmina has a few other options:
- Pito Guest House: Located in Central Elmina, it offers a quiet stay, at a reasonable price with AC and good facilities.
- Golden Hill Parker Hotel: Near Elmina Castle, this is your higher-end option for accommodation in Elmina.
Before you go
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